AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college and career readiness system that prepares students for college eligibility and post-secondary success. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by approximately 7,500 K-12 schools across the United States and in 16 countries, making a difference in the lives of more than 2.5 million students annually.
AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually underserved. Its systematic approach supports students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance. AVID is not a remedial, niche, or college outreach program. It is not a study hall. AVID students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in the AVID elective class in all of their classes as well as do the academically rigorous work required. AVID-trained educators also share AVID methodologies and strategies with their fellow educators at their school, so that all students, not just those in the AVID elective class, can benefit from AVID.
AVID is for middle to upper middle academic students. These students have the potential to take rigorous courses but may need to develop the skills needed to be successful in these courses. AVID combines rigor with support that includes the student's individual determination and the support of teachers, other AVID students, their families, and AVID tutors. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 or higher GPA throughout the school year as well as maintain good attendance and good citizenship.
At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Polson School District will be implementing AVID instructional strategies school-wide in Grades 5-12. The AVID Elective Class will begin with a cohort of approximately 20 students from the Class of 2029 (8th graders) and 20 students from the Class of 2028 (9th graders), and will expand each school year from there. AVID is a challenging elective class held every day during the school day. It is not an after-school or remedial program. AVID students are encouraged to take at least one rigorous course, such as an accelerated, AP or Advanced course each year. AVID students learn valuable skills, such as writing, note-taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, public speaking, and critical thinking, all of which can help them succeed in these rigorous classes as well as all of their other classes. AVID students learn to succeed via individual determination and take responsibility for their learning.
Being in the AVID Elective class is voluntary, but once selected, students are encouraged to stay in AVID until their senior year. In 11th and 12th grade, students will receive support in learning about financial aid, scholarships, and applying to colleges and universities. Being an AVID student is hard work and the expectations are high, but the many valuable rewards are well worth it.
What AVID Is Not
- AVID is not an at risk program. The class is designed to support students in building their academic skills as they prepare for college and career success.
- AVID is not for students who don't do any of their homework.
- AVID is not for the consistently D or F student.
- AVID is not for unmotivated students. They must have individual determination.
Why AVID Works
- Places AVID students in rigorous curriculum and gives them the support they need to achieve their goals
- Provides students with a supportive team and family environment made up of teachers, counselors, fellow students, their families, and AVID tutors
- Redefines the teacher’s role as that of student advocate
- Transforms schools by creating a college-going culture throughout an entire school, impacting all students
For more information, visit avid.org. Additionally, check out the AVID National Snapshot.